Learn how to diversify your income as a food blogger with option like display ads, brand deals, affiliate links, and more. Start with one or two and grow to increase your blog’s profitability.
Building a profitable food blog takes more than just great recipes and photos. To create a sustainable business, it's important to diversify your income streams. Relying on a single source, like ad revenue or sponsored content, can be risky when algorithms or trends shift.
Instead, combining a few income streams can help you grow with more stability and flexibility. In this post, I’m sharing common ways food bloggers can make money.
Display Ads
Ads are one of the most common and passive income sources for food bloggers. Ad networks like Google AdSense, Mediavine, and Raptive pay you based on impressions. Once your traffic meets the threshold for an ad network, ad income can become a reliable monthly revenue stream.
To qualify for Mediavine, your site needs at least 50,000 monthly sessions. Raptive requires 100,000 monthly pageviews. I don’t have personal experience with Journey or Raptive Rise but have heard good things. Journey by Mediavine requires 10,000 monthly sessions, and Raptive Rise requires 50,000 monthly pageviews. Each program has additional policies worth reviewing.
I previously used Mediavine and now work with Raptive. I’ve been really happy with the experience, from onboarding and ongoing support to RPM performance and publisher tools.
If you’re interested in joining Raptive, you can apply through my Raptive referral link. (My referral code is RAPTIVE-ED0E491QAT)
To maximize ad income, focus on SEO, user experience, and publishing high-quality content. Optimizing for seasonal traffic spikes and updating older posts can also give your RPMs a boost.
Brand Partnerships
Working with brands is another popular way for food bloggers to earn money. Sponsored posts can involve recipe development, product reviews, or social media promotion in exchange for payment. The key to success is working with brands that align with your audience and values.
Start by creating a media kit with your blog stats, niche, and previous collaborations. This helps brands quickly understand your value. Don’t be afraid to pitch brands directly or apply to influencer platforms to find new opportunities!
If you want to learn more about partnerships, check out my Ultimate Guide to Pitching Brands for tips, templates, and real examples.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate income allows you to earn a commission when someone makes a purchase through your referral link. It’s a great fit for food bloggers who naturally mention products in posts or on social media, such as kitchen tools, pantry staples, or unique ingredients.
Choose affiliate programs that offer high-quality products your audience already trusts. Embed links naturally within your content and always include proper disclosures to maintain transparency and build trust.
Digital Products
Creating and selling digital products can be a scalable way to earn. Ebooks, downloadable meal plans, grocery lists, and other resources require upfront effort but can sell continuously with little maintenance. Platforms like Gumroad make it easy to host and deliver your products.
Physical Products
Some bloggers branch into physical products like custom kitchen gear, custom mixes, or branded merch. Print-on-demand services allow you to offer items without managing inventory, while bulk ordering gives you more control over pricing and quality. Consider your bandwidth and audience demand before choosing a model.
Services
Offering services can be a great way to leverage your expertise! Many food bloggers often brand into freelance writing, photography, and 1:1 coaching for other bloggers. These services require more time but can be high-value and fulfilling. Use your blog as a portfolio and clearly outline your offerings on a dedicated page.
Memberships
For bloggers with a loyal audience, paid memberships can work well with a subscription model. Platforms like Patreon or Substack let you offer exclusive recipes, early access, behind the scenes content, or ad-free experiences. The key is providing consistent, valuable content that encourages people to subscribe and stick around month after month.
If you’re a food blogger craving community, I invite you to join Content Creators Collective! You’ll get instant access to a private slack with dedicated channels for SEO, monetization, social media, email marketing, business goals, and more. It also includes weekly accountability check-ins and twice-monthly group calls.
Beyond these revenue streams, there are even more ways to earn as a food blogger. Some creators publish their own cookbooks, offer user-generated content for brands, or launch paid meal plan subscriptions. Others host online classes or live cooking demos. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram also offer creator funds that can provide bonus income based on content performance.
Not every method will be the right fit, and you don’t need to do them all. Start with one or two that feel most natural, then consider adding more as your blog and audience grow. Testing and refining your approach over time can lead to long-term stability and success.
Leave a Reply